These new KontrolFreek x CaseOh Kitty thumbsticks are so cute, even my own cat can't help but stan

Photo of a black cat looking at a pair of cat-shaped Xbox thumbsticks.
(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Popular streamer CaseOh has teamed up with KontrolFreek, the brand behind some of the best PS5 accessories, to launch sticks based on his black cat called Kitty, and they're purrr-fectly adorable.

As a fellow black cat owner, I can't help but be a fan. The 'Kitty Edition' sticks feature cute cartoon-like representations of Kitty's face, down to her little ears and wide-eyed stare. They're not just cute, but they're practical too, as the laser-etched cat design provides a bit of extra grip, whether you're sporting a PS5 controller or the official Wireless Xbox controller for your Series X/S or gaming PC.

KontrolFreek CaseOh Kitty Edition Performance Thumbsticks (For PS5/Xbox) | $19.99 at GameStopUK:

KontrolFreek CaseOh Kitty Edition Performance Thumbsticks (For PS5/Xbox) | $19.99 at GameStop
The Kitty Edition sticks feature laser-etched designs of CaseOh's adorable cat Kitty, and have a mid-raised elevation to help improve the comfort of your favorite controllers. There's two models available, so whether you're sporting a PS5, PS5, Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One controller, you can show off your support of CaseOh and his adorable feline friend.

UK: £19.99 at KontrolFreek

KontrolFreek gave me an exclusive first look at these new thumbsticks, and they're just as cute in person as they are in the official marketing photos.

The packaging features such a lovely bit of hand-drawn art of CaseOh proudly holding up Kitty as he does on his streams, that I almost felt bad having to rip through it to grab the sticks. Once I did, the PS5 models popped easily onto my silver DualSense controller, which has been the case for any KontrolFreek sticks I've tested in the past. The setup was just as straightforward as the KontrolFreek Minecraft Thumbsticks, and I had zero issues using them to catch up with my weekly Marvel Rivals challenges.

They do have a slightly sticky texture to them, which won't be to everyone's taste. When I first started using the sticks, the sensation took a while to get used to. However, eventually I was able to look past it and focus on the comfortable upgrade the Kitty Edition sticks gave my old Sony gamepad. Having that increased mid-rise elevation and the slight circular concave feels more natural than the bare sticks.

Photo of a pack of two thumbsticks sitting on a wooden table. The thumbsticks are black and look like the face of a cat.

(Image credit: Future)

I don't watch that many streamers, but these CaseOh thumbsticks are probably my favorite the brand has released to date.

I hold an extra special place in my heart for anything black cat-related, as I have a cat of my own called Kylo (as shown in the thumbnail), who was rehomed from a local animal charity. When I picked him up, the charity informed me that black cats can be rehomed less as they're seen as less photogenic, which absolutely broke my heart.

Not only do these Kitty Edition sticks remind me of my own cat and so brought endless smiles to my face while testing them out this week, but it feels comforting to think that these sticks, "designed with CaseOh and Kitty" exist because she's just she's that adorable. Not to mention, their launch today feels like perfect timing, given that the Halloween festive season has officially arrived.

The KontrolFreek CaseOh Kitty Edition Thumbsticks are available today in the US, Canada, and the UK, starting from $19.99 via the official KontrolFreek site and GameStop.

Photo of a silver PS5 controller with cat-shaped thumbsticks sitting in front of a matching black cat.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you're in the market for a new gamepad, our guides on the best PC controllers for gaming, best Nintendo Switch controllers, and the best Xbox Series X controllers are full of high-quality pads worth your time and attention.

Rosalie Newcombe
Hardware Editor

Ever since I first held a NES controller in my hand I've been obsessed with gaming, and the hardware it runs on. I could hook up a NES and SNES to a telly, without instructions, before I could walk. Even now, nothing is more exciting then taking a console, or handheld, out the box for the first time and setting it up. This obsession transformed into a love of games and game music, which lead to my music degree and dream of becoming the Scottish Nobuo Uematsu. After sharing my love of games through music, I began to share my love through words on sites like TechRadar and iMore. This lead to becoming a Hardware staff writer for PCGamesN, and later the Senior Tech Writer for Dexerto, covering all things Steam Deck, PlayStation and Nintendo. With that experience, I was able to level up as Hardware Editor for GamesRadar+, where I'm still just as Nintendo, PlayStation and gaming tech obsessed as ever.

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